Shoei's "X" descriptor has always been reserved for their top-of-the-line
racing helmets. The last X-series helmet was the Shoei
X-12 (review), released way back in 2009. Was it
really that long ago? Yes.

That helmet served Shoei well and, in fact, it is still being worn by world-class
motorcycle racers today.

But here's a little secret: the X-series doesn't really mean a focused racing helmet
only. Instead, we'll call it the "Supersport" label, because the X helmets have
always included a big dose comfort that works on the street.

In fact, the X-Fourteen has surprised us with a degree of comfort, fit and
noise control that makes it ideal for street riders.

Also, Shoei continues to support the
Snell safety standard and the X-Fourteen continues the X-series Snell
certification tradition, now updated to the
Snell M2015 standard (report).

That makes the X-14 a bit heavier than it might be without the
certification, but we'll take the tradeoff.

Shoei X-Fourteen Paint, Graphics and Overall Quality

Shoei makes premium level motorcycle helmets with a reputation second to
none. That makes it easy to evaluate quality: it's outstanding. There are no
ifs, ands or buts about it.

We were able to get one of the first size XL X-Fourteens off the
production line and we had a choice of any color we wanted, as long as it
was black.

I tried all the tricks in the book to get one of the graphic designs, but
they just weren't available. No matter, because the show finish gloss black
on this one is deep as they come. And who knows -- maybe the shiny
reflections will act as a safety factor!

As a premium helmet, you'd expect all the moving parts to work flawlessly
and they do. The dual chin vent, top vent and brow vent sliders all have a
solid but subtle click feel and the face shield also operates smoothly.

The helmet liner is especially awesome; it's much too plush for a race
helmet and it can be adjusted and tweaked more ways than any other helmet we
know of.

Of course, with that premium quality comes a premium price, but hold an
X-Fourteen and compare it with lesser helmets and you'll immediately understand
what you're buying

Score: We rate the Shoei
X-Fourteen an "Outstanding" rating for overall quality, paint,
graphics and and overall fit and finish. See the ratings
category in the summary table at the end of the review.

And here's another general statement: Shoei has the most consistent internal
shape in all of their helmets of any manufacturer.

We didn't believe it at first, but after 16+ years of webBikeWorld helmet
reviews (and the very first webBikeWorld review was of a helmet), we're
believers.

The "Shoei shape" fits Burn like, well, like a glove. I've always had a
problem with Shoei helmets however, due to my "wide track" or "Earth" shaped head,
which is widest at the temples.

Shoei helmets typically have what we term a "Narrow" or "Slightly Narrow"
internal shape. It's not quite as narrow as the "ECE fit" typically found in
Nolan, Caberg and Schuberth helmets but definitely to the narrow side of
"Neutral". Got that?

I have talked to Shoei management at the various trade shows about this
and pretty much begged them to make a "Round" head helmet for the rest of
us. I can't say they rejected the idea outright but I can't say it will
happen either. One can only hope...

So count me as surprised when I first slid the X-Fourteen over my head
and it fit! There's no question that it's still to the "Narrow" side of
"Neutral" and the super-plush, thickly-padded interior masks the shape
somewhat (or a lot).

But I can say that this size XL X-Fourteen fits me better than any other
current helmet in my inventory.

For example, I've been wearing an Arai Corsair X (review) with the 5 mm
pads removed from the 10 and 2 o'clock positions and one of the pads placed
in front of the head band at my forehead to fill the gap.

But the X-Fourteen fits me better than that right out of the box. In fact,
there's nothing I have changed inside the X-14 that might make it more
comfortable.

That being said, Burn has a size large X-Fourteen that fits him to a "T", and
he's a classic "Long Oval" head shape.

Shoei X-Fourteen Shell Size Chart

This
Head Size...

...Uses This
Shell Size

XS/S

S

M

M

L

L

XL, XXL

XL

I asked a Shoei rep about this and he couldn't confirm or deny
that the Shoei internal shape has changed.

I think probably it hasn't and perhaps it's just
that as I conjectured: the plushness of the liner helps conform the fit to a
wider range of head shapes than before. That's my take on it anyway...

Bottom line? The X-Fourteen should fit Shoei head shapes just like
before. But if you're like me -- with a head that is too "Round" to
comfortably fit a Shoei helmet in the past -- try the X-Fourteen in your
size and one size larger and see how it feels.

The liner has more removable/replaceable parts that we can count --
literally -- so if it doesn't fit, there are still plenty of options you can
try.

And by the way, something that might be a bit of a gimmick is the ability
to rotate the entire liner assembly back by 4 degrees. This is for racing,
where your head is down and you're looking up.

They'd probably have been better off increasing the visibility out the
top of the eye port for racing, but anyway, the rotating liner feature is
there should you need it.

Otherwise, the liner fabric and the thick padding (in the size XL
anyway) help with the fit and add a large dose of comfort.

Oh, and one more thing: there are tiny recesses on either side for
speakers -- which proves the "Supersport" point -- but at only about 25 mm
across and maybe 4 mm deep, not many of the modern intercom speakers will
fit in the recess.

Sizing

The X-Fourteen is made in 4 shell sizes, just like the X-12. This helps keep
the internal size closer to the external shell size, but with the "different"
shape of the X-Fourteen, the helmet looks kind of big from the outside no matter
the shell size.

This size XL is rated to fit a 61-62 cm head and we think that's correct.

The
size L is listed at 59-60 cm, also fits to size in our opinion. The extensive
liner customization means you can probably shade that size range one size up or
down for any standard head size.

But don't forget that a larger head in a smaller size will decrease the
thickness of the padding.

For more information on choosing and
fitting a motorcycle helmet, please see the
wBW
Motorcycle Helmet FAQ page, which also includes a
discussion on head shapes.

Seven years ago, we were disappointed with the
ventilation in the X-12, but that's a long-ago memory.

About the only thing the X-Fourteen has in common with
the X-12 is the Shoei logo on the front and that's a
very good thing when it comes to ventilation.

The X-Fourteen's vent system consists of a dual chin
vent, a brow vent and a large scoop-type top vent. The
chin vent and top vent are two-way adjustable.

The top vent is the star of the show. It's simple but it
works. And as we have pointed out numerous times in the
past, it's all well and good to have plenty of air
coming into the helmet, but the design of the EPS
channels, the exhaust and especially the liner are
crucial.

Without a
well-designed integrated system, the air has nowhere to go and
that is a problem with many helmets we have reviewed.
You can't just slap a vent on top and call it done.

Despite the plush and rather complicated liner in the
X-Fourteen, Shoei left the all-important fore/aft
channels along the upper part that direct the air over
the rider's head.

The vent holes can be seen directly through the EPS and
the air has a clean shot down into the helmet. The novel
rear exhaust system also works really well to create
negative pressure to pull the air through.

The result is outstanding upper ventilation, even when
riding behind a fairing (but with the top of the helmet
peeking above the lip).

The brow vent apparently helps but it's not as directly
noticeable as opening the top vent.

The chin vent is divided into lower and upper halves.
The upper half has two "speeds" and it directs air up
along the top of the chin bar, which is the typical
approach in a motorcycle helmet.

The bottom half directs the air along the sides of the chin bar, where it
is directed over small channels and a hole molded into the backing of each
cheek pad.

The cheek pad has mesh fabric sewn along the back side forming the ear
pocket. The vent system and the cheek pads are designed to keep this area
cool and dry. It's a bit difficult to tell how it works; we'll learn more as
summer approaches.

There are no direct vent passages through the chin bar, which is a
disappointment.

Overall, the ventilation in the X-Fourteen is light years better than the
X-12 but doesn't quite match the Arai Corsair X.

Nits to Pick...

We do have one criticism of the X-Fourteen however: the first opening
detent for the visor is larger than we'd like and unfortunately the first
detent isn't crisp enough to make it easy to locate the visor at that first
level.

It takes a skilled finger to get the face shield to land in the first
position which creates about a 20 mm opening. It's probably fine for riding
behind a windscreen but too much on an unfaired bike.

Also, the lift tab seems small and it's far enough over to the left that
it causes some torqueing of the face shield as you're trying to lift it,
which doesn't help matters, making it more difficult than it should be to
get the face shield to stop at your selected position.

And while we're at it, Shoei added a thumb lock at the lower left to keep
the visor locked for racing.

That's fine, but they could have/should have included the ability to pop
the face shield open just a touch for city defogging.

Arai did that on the new Corsair X and it seems strange for the very
conservative Arai to one-up Shoei when it comes to a user-friendly feature
addition.

It is a lost opportunity that we hope can be corrected.

The X-Fourteen also comes with a Pinlock visor insert and tear-off
posts. Various tinted visors are also available.

The eye port on the X-Fourteen is better than average for horizontal
visibility and slightly better than average in the vertical plane.

Score: The X-Fourteen gets an "Excellent" rating for
ventilation and the face shield.

X-Fourteen Helmet Weight

Shoei and Arai remain committed to manufacturing their helmets to the Snell
standards. The X-Fourteen is certified to the latest
Snell M2015 standard (report), as is the Arai Corsair X, a factor that
probably has affected the helmet's weight.

Fortunately -- and like the other Shoei X-series helmets we've reviewed
-- the X-Fourteen has excellent balance and aerodynamics, which helps mask
the mass.

For more information, see the wBW
Motorcycle Helmet Weights page, which lists the
weights of all helmets we have reviewed to date.

Score: The X-Fourteen gets a
"Very Good" rating for acceptable weight and good
balance.

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Noise Levels

One thing that continues to surprise us is the low noise
levels when riding with the X-Fourteen. We'd have to
credit the thick padding, the tight seal of the face
shield, the dual chin curtain/chin spoiler and the
aerodynamics for that.

The bottom line here is that X-14 is one of the quietest
full-face helmets we've reviewed, even when riding
behind buffeting windscreens.

When the top vent is open, the noise level increases
slightly but it isn't intrusive, at least at sort-of
legal speeds. The sound is well muted.

There doesn't seem to be much of a difference in noise
levels whether the rider is leaned forward or sitting
upright, another good thing.

And the noise is very well controlled along the bottom
of the helmet, due to the shape of the liner and the
helmet shell and the more consistent fit in this area
due to the use of 4 shell sizes.

So this is a big benefit of the X-Fourteen and a very noticeable improvement
over the X-12 and other Shoei helmets we have reviewed in the last few years.

Note that our helmet evaluations are normally a combined effort
of several riders over time, on different types of motorcycles with and without
windscreens.

Always protect your hearing when riding a motorcycle. See the wBWEarplug
Reviews for more information on choosing and wearing earplugs.

Note also that perceived noise levels will vary, depending on the
individual.

Noise can be caused by many factors, including helmet fit; the
type of motorcycle and windscreen; wind speed and direction and even the type of
clothing that is being worn. For more information on helmet noise, visit the
wBW
Motorcycle Helmet Noise page.

"The X-Fourteen’s proprietary AIM+ Shell is not only
incredibly strong, it is extremely lightweight, and
comes in an industry-leading four shell sizes to ensure
a custom fit for heads between the sizes of XS-XXL."
according to the information.

The chin strap uses a D-ring system and the padding is comfortable but
slightly thin and could be longer. The
helmet has a five-year warranty.

webBikeWorld Opinionator: Shoei X-14

Picks...

...and Pans

Outstanding build quality.

Very unique shape.

Very comfortable liner.

Multiple liner fit options.

Very quiet.

Outstanding ventilation.

Expensive.

Needs better city defogging
position.

Some visor torque when lifting.

Weight.

Conclusion

The X-Fourteen is a definite improvement over the old
Shoei X-12, that's for sure.

The shape of the X-Fourteen is radical enough that it
might even be a turn-off for some.

It's always very
difficult to know for sure what an aerodynamic detail
really offers when riding on the street. We'll have to
take it at their word that the X-14 does the job on the
track.

But really -- if the X-Fourteen was a pure race helmet,
it would surely have more than a few compromises for
street riders. In fact, the "dirty little secret" (but
not so dirty) is that the X-Fourteen makes an
outstanding full-face street helmet.

It has Shoei quality, for one, backed by Shoei support.
It's built like the veritable tank and it's Snell M2015
certified. That adds some weight to be sure, but Shoei
and many others think the tradeoff is worthwhile.

Boil it all down and you have what is one of the most
comfortable helmets we've ever reviewed, with
outstanding ventilation, low noise levels and a level of
liner customization that is class-leading (the surprise
is that we didn't need to though!).

You're going to pay for it, but those features are what
you're looking for in a helmet, right?